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The Girl Next Door (2004 film)

The Girl Next Door is a 2004 American romantic sex comedy film directed by Luke Greenfield.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Girl Next Door is a 2004 American romantic sex comedy film directed by Luke Greenfield. It stars Emile Hirsch and Elisha Cuthbert and follows a high school senior who falls for his new neighbor, only to learn she is a former adult film actress. The film was released theatrically in the United States by 20th Century Fox on April 9, 2004.

Plot

The film follows Matthew Kidman, a high school senior and overachiever, who falls in love with his new neighbor Danielle. His life becomes complicated when he learns that Danielle previously worked in adult films.

Cast and characters

The principal cast includes Emile Hirsch as Matthew Kidman, Elisha Cuthbert as Danielle, Timothy Olyphant, James Remar, Chris Marquette, and Paul Dano. The film also marked Olivia Wilde's screen debut.

Production and release

Luke Greenfield directed the film from a screenplay by David Wagner, Brent Goldberg, and Stuart Blumberg. It premiered at the Texas Film Festival on February 18, 2004, and opened theatrically in the United States on April 9, 2004.

Reception

The film later developed a cult following through home media and television. Retrospective commentary has noted its genre subversion and its portrayal of the adult entertainment industry.

Key facts

  • The film was directed by Luke Greenfield and written by David Wagner, Brent Goldberg, and Stuart Blumberg.
  • The plot centers on a high school senior who discovers that his new neighbor is a former adult film actress.
  • The film premiered at the Texas Film Festival on February 18, 2004.
  • Olivia Wilde made her film debut in the movie.
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Canadian context

The film had international home-media and television circulation, and it is part of the broader North American teen comedy genre that has been widely viewed by Canadian audiences.

Frequently asked questions

What is The Girl Next Door?
It is a 2004 American romantic sex comedy film about a high school senior who falls for his new neighbor and learns she is a former adult film actress.
Who directed The Girl Next Door?
Luke Greenfield directed the film.
Who stars in The Girl Next Door?
The main cast includes Emile Hirsch, Elisha Cuthbert, Timothy Olyphant, James Remar, Chris Marquette, and Paul Dano.
When was The Girl Next Door released?
It was released in the United States on April 9, 2004.
What is the film about?
It follows Matthew Kidman, who becomes involved with his neighbour Danielle after discovering she has a past in adult films.
Did any notable actor debut in the film?
Yes. Olivia Wilde made her film debut in The Girl Next Door.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Girl_Next_Door_(2004_film)
    Supports: Director, writers, cast, plot, premiere date, theatrical release, and Olivia Wilde's film debut.
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0265208/
    Supports: Director, writers, cast, release date, country of origin, language, and basic premise.
  3. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1130343-girl_next_door
    Supports: Genre, rating, and plot synopsis.
  4. BBC — https://www.bbc.co.uk/films/2004/04/08/the_girl_next_door_2004_review.shtml
    Supports: Plot description and characters involved in the story.